By SANDI PETERS, The buzz word for facilities that house older adults today is ‘community’. Corporate America has caught on that providing a well-appointed environment is insufficient to foster quality of life. The new trend seems to re-brand themselves as a ‘community’. Let’s look at what that word means. The word ‘communis’ is a combination … Continue reading
Tag Archives: loss
FALLING IS A PART OF LIFE: The Perils of Protection
By SANDI PETERS, In 2004 I was working in a nursing home. I had just started and was unsure of the culture. Each morning the routine was for management to meet in what is called a ‘stand up’ where each department reports the work plan for the day and also advises others of any … Continue reading
Medical Clown
Six months ago, my supervisor burst in the middle of my music group at the psychiatric hospital: “We have two clowns visiting, can they come in? –Of course!” Two grinning youthful men popped into the day room; one wearing a monkey suit, the other dressed in short striped pants with suspenders, colorful socks with a … Continue reading
Lunar New Year
The mother nestled in her favorite spot, The build-in wooden bench by the nurses’ station, For comfort, three thin dining room chair pillows. Two daughters by her side, attentive, serious, Grey roots showing amidst their dyed hair; Above them, my red paper decorations, In front of them, little food containers and paper bags Covering the … Continue reading
UNIVERSAL
From her bedroom door, she yells angrily. I approach. I ask: “What’s happening? -She does not understand English” Whispers a voice behind me. She invites me in, Guides me into the bathroom. Her piercing tone and gestures Tell that something Was transferred from the sink to the toilet (I recognize the word TOALET) And now … Continue reading
LOVE
“With my siblings, we divide the day in three: 7 to 12, 12 to 5 and 5 to the time my mother goes to bed, around 9. This way we can each have one day off. I usually do the middle of the day. My little brother is still working; he does the evening.“ Phil … Continue reading
Nest & Cocoon
Brigitte sits sideways on her bed, in the middle, where the security side rail ends. She wears a night gown, a white terry cloth towel draped over her shoulders. Her wavy white hair is gathered in a becoming ponytail. This is my first visit since Brigitte recent admission. We talk about her food preferences, her … Continue reading
SAFETY
“Call Security! She is hitting us!” Nicole, behind her walker, is zooming through the hallway, surrounded by nursing staff. She speaks in a language we don’t understand well. Framed by her short silvery hair, her face is serious, focused. Her walker went straight into the nursing assistant who was trying to redirect her. A few … Continue reading
ABOUT THE MOTHER
This 2017 post continues my 2015 post I NEED TO SEE MY MOTHER. If you have not read it, or forgot, you might want to go there first https://soul2soul-seniors.com/2015/07/02/i-need-to-see-my-mother/ 5:30PM, I am entering the activity room to start my evening program. Dinner is barely finished. The tables are getting cleared. Among the noises and motions … Continue reading
SPEAKING TO HERSELF
“–Pauline looks better today. –Yes, she is speaking non-stop, to herself. – I noticed that. She does it often, even when surrounded by people and activities. What does she say? –She talks about her house, her things. That she has a lot of gold and diamond jewelry. In reality she had some, but not that … Continue reading
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